Afridi backs win for improved Pakistan
Published: 13 September 2010

Shahid Afridi has promised Pakistan fans a victory ahead of the fourth NatWest One Day International, under floodlights at Lord’s on Monday 20 September.

The 30-year-old Pakistan skipper expressed his delight at a much improved performance in the second ODI against England, despite their eventual five wicket defeat.

England are two games to the good with just three matches remaining, having already eased to a 2-0 Twenty20 series victory in Cardiff.

Pakistan looked a different proposition during the second match at Headingley however, as England scrambled home with only three deliveries remaining - captain Andrew Strauss excelling with his fifth ODI century.

ODI skipper Afridi praised the level of support for his side and said he was convinced that the tourists would end a tumultuous summer in the UK with at least one win from their remaining matches.

"We have three more games and definitely we will get a result." said Afridi.

"Putting some effort in is very important, there are three games left and me and my boys will come back.

"It's a very great sign and we are expecting more fans in London and Hampshire as well.

"If we play cricket at this level, definitely the crowd will come and they will enjoy the game."

Mixed history

The fourth ODI is Pakistan’s last visit to the Home of Cricket during a summer which has seen them play two Test matches and a warm-up fixture in NW8.

Results have not gone their way however, with Afridi sensationally resigning the captaincy following a thumping 150-run defeat to Australia in the MCC Spirit of Cricket series in June.

Their next visit was equally disastrous on the field, Stuart Broad and Graeme Swann starring as England romped to an innings and 225-run win in the fourth and final Test.

But several of the side likely to play at Lord’s were also part of the World T20 winning side who, under Afridi’s stewardship, lifted the trophy at the Home of Cricket in 2009.